fwiw, I broke down and got a DS XL for myself as an Xmas present (my mom gave me some money, but I mostly got books and clothing as gifts).

I knew I'd love Ghost Recon Shadow Wars, and I truly do (downloaded it via eShop). I wish there were more games like it and less of the cartoonish or medieval RPG variety, in terms of turn-based tactical strategy stuff. I got the Fire Emblem Awakening demo and might get ProjectX Zone, just cause I love turn-based squad type stuff in general.

The 3D effect in Shadow Wars is nice, including on the squad management screens. I do tend to have to fiddle with the viewing angle and the 3D depth slider a bit.

XL is definitely better for my large hands. Battery life is just OK, but the A/C cord is nice and long so it's not too much trouble to just play with it plugged in.

While I'm sorry I waited more than 2 years, it was an impulse buy. A lonely black 3DS XL at a nearby store, and I wanted to give it a home.

I usually have a bad problem with hand cramping, and I'm able to use the XL pretty well. It's not perfect, but a worlds better then I do with the Vita. Wouldn't mind trying a grip with it, but I haven't sought one out like I immediately did with the vita.

I usually play mine slouched or lying down. That way I can rest it on my chest. I can't handle the thumb nub for long without discomfort if I'm just holding it.

Don't take this out of context anyone. I did, and regret it.

I play with mine sitting on the couch, both upright and slouching, and sometimes lying down in bed. It's cool to see it in 3-D. I haven't tried playing with mine while I'm out in public, I've heard that's fun because you can run into people playing with theirs and put them together to exchange stuff...

I'm talking about the DS XL of course...

I haven't had cramping issues with tactical strategy stuff. I'm sure if I play more frantic button pushers on it, finger cramping might be more evident. But if I could live with a DS and GBA-SP without hand cramps, I can probably survive on this.

I still miss some things on the GBA-SP. I think I liked the Advance Wars game made for that more than the 2007 era AW Dual Strike for DS. Also liked Medal of Honor Infiltrator on it (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mohinfiltrator_gba), and kinda wish there was something like that on DS.

Really digging Shadow Wars, esp. the variety and the quick instruction in how to use/do new things as they come about. The missile cave base mission was epic. It apparently has 37 missions (!) for 35-45 hours of play. I feel like I've already played it that long, been nothing but fun though. I just look at my campaign slot and it says 6% (!) - long way to go.

I bought 2 of the bundled XLs at Target when they were having their $149 deal. I was there to buy one for my son's Christmas wishlist. The 2nd was an impulse purchase for myself because of the price. I was leaning towards returning it after having second thoughts later that day, but then I played Fire Emblem. It's like an improved, modern version of Final Fantasy Tactics. And then I played Shin Megami Tensei 4, which is a first person, turn based RPG where you get to recruit demons into your party. It's f'ng crazy jrpg stuff, but it's good old fashioned tactical turn based dungeon combat.

I'm discovering the really strong turn based library on the 3DS, and really enjoying it. JRPGs are not my favorite, but the ones on the 3DS are exceptionally good.

Picked one up to play Bravely Default, which they were sold out of so ordered it off Amazon. Bought Zelda A Link Between Worlds. What else do I need to get? Mainly an RPG player, love games like FF Tactics. So I guess Fire Emblem? Animal Crossing? Pokemon?

Picked one up to play Bravely Default, which they were sold out of so ordered it off Amazon. Bought Zelda A Link Between Worlds. What else do I need to get? Mainly an RPG player, love games like FF Tactics. So I guess Fire Emblem? Animal Crossing? Pokemon?